The Meaning of Snakes in a Dream

Like any animal dream, snakes in dreams can have a wide variety of meanings. But as snakes are found the world over, and many cultures and religions through-out history have used snakes in their myths and legends, these animals more than most may share common meanings to different people who dream of them. When snakes appear to indicate a symbolic meaning, rather than simply being the biological animal, they are often referred to as “serpents.”

Freud would have us believe that snakes are a symbol of sex, and little more. And while snakes might indicate a sexual energy in our dreams, especially if they slide into bed with us or the dream in some other way is erotically charged, snakes are more likely to appear in our dreams for several other profound reasons.

In ancient times, harmless snakes would be left in temples where people seeking cures to an illness would go to dream. The dreams people had in these temples amongst the snakes would then be interpreted by the holy people there, who would reveal the cure the dream was showing. Hippocrates, he of the medical profession’s “Hippocratic Oath” and a powerful ancient healer, had as his symbol the snake. Even modern medicine still uses the symbol of two snakes entwined around a staff as its symbol (caduceus). These associations mean that snakes can be a symbol of healing in our dreams, either physically or emotionally.

Snakes also shed their skin, and have been associated in many cultures as symbols of wisdom. These

For centuries, snakes have been associated with wisdom and healing

associations can indicate snakes as powerful sign of personal transformation. This can suggest we look at what old patterns of behaviour or beliefs we are outgrowing, and what new thought processes or new stage in our life we preparing to step into. This transformative power is especially strong if in your dream you look the snake in the eye, connect with it in some way, or it bites you and you recover or don’t die. When combined with the healing elements that snakes can indicate, this may imply a significant transformation through healing, almost like an initiation. These snake dreams, though they may be be scary, and make us anxious, may provide us with an important opportunity to leave behind something that hurt and restricted us, moving forward into a new way of being.

Sometimes snakes dreams can be profoundly unsettling, and leave us with a sense of being deceived. This is especially true if we dream of being in a pit of vipers or if we are surrounded by many snakes. This kind of symbolic meaning may arise from recalling the snake that spoke in the garden of Eden lied to Eve, or knowing that snakes have forked tongues, which some feel indicates that they can speak multiple stories, which must be lies for there is only one truth. Snakes are also hard to see, and can be stumbled upon by surprise, which can associate them with secrets. The phrase “snake in the grass” refers to this sense of someone who cannot be trusted, who may lie or deceive. If we dream of snakes and have this sense, there may be a truth that we know but are deceiving ourselves, denying what we know to be true. And given the multi-layered aspect of dreams, it may be that when this truth is finally revealed to ourselves (whatever that truth may be) that this will lead to healing and transformation, the gifts of the snake.

Is something restricting you?

Dreaming a snake that is coiling around us like a python and squeezing tight may be an indication that we feel restricted somewhere in life. This may be by our own self-limiting beliefs, our refusal to admit what we know we must do, or it can be an indicator of external factors inhibiting us, such as a job, lack of experience or education for something we wish to achieve, or a dominating and controlling relationship. If the snakes dream is constricting us so we can’t get enough air, this may mean it is time to make some changes, to stand up and act, to create some air, some breathing space in our lives.

Essentially snakes in dreams can be potent symbols that we often fear because of the change they bring and the energy they contain. A snake rising up, coming awake after hibernation, or uncoiling and springing to life can indicate our own energy flowing freely again, our passion, our motivation, our love for life. Some eastern cultures refer to this as the awakening “Kundalini,” an energy that coils up from the base of the spine to the crown of our head and then beyond, a process of spiritual growth. The dream snake’s poison is far more likely to transform us than it is to destroy us. It is up to us how we choose to either fight, run from, or embrace the transition.

Comments

Indeed the US is shedding it’s skin. What is so interesting to me is that the group experience as Jung noted is bound to only go so deep. There will be a backlash when the euphoria collectively experienced evaporates leaving individuals still longing for the new skin. Note how at the other end of the spectrum, the collective patriotic vibe dissipated following the 9/11 experience.

What I’m stressing here, the need in this moments to encourage folks to do their individual work, for the limitations of the collective wave can not be sustained. We each need to meet the snake head on.

Interesting insights Richard, thank you. I totally agree that we must all do our own individual work. By evolving our individual psyche we can contribute to the evolution of humanity. A grand accomplishment for such a humble task!🙂

Hmmm, interesting Bad MuthaBlogger. So what are YOU interested in sinking your teeth into? Sounds like there might be some new important phase of your life about to start, and maybe you will be changed by it. Best of luck with it! And dream well!

hai ,
last night i found myself in a temple. the temple is full of snakes. the land is like root of bnayan tree in which all snakes are there. i was feeling like i am walking over snakes. i heard the sound of snakes from it. There was a tree in which some holes was there and if someone try to push his hand on that,
he was bitten by the snakes.
what it mean can anyone tell me

I dreamed of walking through a green grass field. The grass was low cut. Saw a large snake head sticking out of the grass. It submerged when I attempted to grab it and as it moved in the grass I grabbed its tail. The thing turned out to be gigantic and to much for me to handle as it coiled around my body. I awoke from the nightmare agitated and very uneasy thinking I was messing with a deception, from an outside source, much to strong for me to handle. So let the thing alone, dont try to grab it or catch it. But its stalking me anyway waiting for its moment. Something or someone I have trusted will prove treacherous and powerful.

By the way, this has to do with something, some people, that claimed to be friends but have sold me out. This is not something of the very obvious symbols of satan. Its easy for anyone to see the clear satanic implications. But go a little further. I would not be so stupid as to grab a “snake” that looked like a snake or a snake that large. Its size was hidden as well as its true intentions.

Maybe I saw myself as a snake catcher but the snake was far to large and consumed me as an enemy. I remember thinking that I should have packed a large knife. That although my snake catching in the past had been successful, I had let my guard down with this one. Lesson? Pack proper weapons and get a clear view of the game.

The snake also represents “wisdom and knowledge”. Even Christ said to be as wise as serpents. Maybe the meaning of the dream had to do with finding something out that would prove larger than anticipated. So watch carefully before grabbing the tail. Some pose as friends, wisdom is to be had, people that call themselves one thing are actually working for the serpent. They seek to consume. So if you only see the head and something moving under the grass out of clear sight, watch not to grab to eagerly if you cant see the whole thing. Be certain of the size and type and have adequate weapons at the ready. I have seen snake catchers on TV that sometimes cant really measure the size as the snake is under water in the lily pads. Then to their amazement the thing turns out to be much larger than they could handle.

So it is with those that spy on you and seek to discredit, hide in the grass, will not show themselves. You are the serpent. I can see the head and movement under the grass but can only now see the full size and intentions of the invisible wise serpent. I trust the Almighty to give me vision, clear sight and weapons. My fear is not coming under the domination of outright evil, but coming under the domination of so called possessors of the “truth”.

How is it that you are so free to spy if you really know so much? And how has so much evil has found its way past your eyes? You dont like snake hunters in your midst? A den of vipers?

Tim 1:5 The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. Some have wandered away from these and turned to meaningless talk. They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not know what they are talking about or what they so confidently affirm.

And this goes for the teaching of grace and license. Your faith is neither sincere nor can your conscience be clear. You stalk and spy becouse your full of crap and fearful for yourselves. Den of vipers. Fake protectors of the realm gagging on small bugs, swallowing yourselves whole.

Hi Logan, thanks for sharing your thoughts with us. Here again we have a great example as to why the only person who can fully understand the secret meanings of our dreams is ourselves. I read your words and am saddened to hear of the betrayal you are feeling, of the disappointment and anger you must be experiencing now. I would suggest that some help for you may be hidden within your own words – your faith, and your recognition of the wisdom of snakes (you raise the comparison to Christ) indicate that the answers you seek to help solve your problem are within your grasp. Dreams often have double and conflicting meanings. The snake of your dream may be the treachery you have experienced and felt unprepared for, but also, the snake may represent your own inner wisdom and faith, the way to deal with that very same treachery. Snakes can also be powerful symbols of healing, may this dream and future dreams help you to heal and recover, may your wisdom grow from this experience and help you become a wiser soul, more prepared to deal with whatever life may have in store for you in future.
Dream Well Logan!

Hope you still get on here! I had a dream i was swimming in a pond with my 7 yr old daughter. Something i would never do.. And appears an alligator, scared to death swimming holding her and swim into a water mocassin that is just floating on top of the water, the alligator goes under water.. Climg out the pond onto a fence pushing my daughter over it. Running away and step on a snake shedding its skin.. Wth?!?

I think there is one fundamental mistake in above interpretation: that snakes may refer to lies since they have forked tongues and there can be only one truth. I think we all know very well that reality of life (often referred in Hindu culture as MAYA) is never black and white and therefore there is never one truth. Truth is always different on different planes. That’s why life is complicated. If it wasn’t so it would be so easy.

So infact I think snakes may refer in this context to the higher truths not directly visible to us instead of lies.

Hi Monique, thanks for your comment. You raise an interesting point. I understand the human experience is all shades of grey (and hopefully other wonderful colours as well!) which certainly makes it extremely valid when we consider our dreams that our perspective of truth at a moment in time may not be accurate, complete or helpful. Dreaming of snakes may ask us to consider: what is the truth we are not seeing?
That notwithstanding, our dreams are such personal things and so deeply influenced by our culture, that to a person who believes in a single truth (a “source,” polar right and wrong etc.) then to dream of a snake may indeed speak of a single truth, and in dreams may hint at lies or deception.
Of course, all of this simply reinforces your point that there may be many truths, at least in dreams, depending on our personal experience, cultural background and perception! The important thing is always to remain open minded, question, challenge what does not seem true to you, discard what is not helpful, and find the way to the truth inside you. Thanks for being thought provoking!
Dream Well Monique!

here is my dream, i walked through the misty forest to a clearing and found me the center of these robed people with faces of shadows, then a magnificent twin serpents entwined in a circle, gold, shining, then when i woke, felt as thousands of needles were prickling me

I had a dream that there was a flood and there was lots of giant snakes in the flood water like a hundred feet long but there was one that was bigger than the rest and was eating these huge snakes. No one was scared like kids were patting the giant snake and swimming in the flood water with it but I was like terrified… What is wrong with me?!

I dreamed about two snakes one was red and the other was purple I think, the red one got on me and slittered up to my shoulder. Looked straight at my eyes, and tried to attack me, but then some guy told me to grab the mouth, so it can’t bite, and it was wiggling but could’t escape, then the guy told me to throw it down on the floor, and he said he would kill it, what does it mean?

HI I dream of snakes all the time, they are on the ground hanging from trees, not letting me cross their paths, coming after me, But they have not yet harmed me, in one dream a constrictor type of snake got my father. I have a dream about a snake on a weekly basis, sometimes even a few times a week. The dreams are always different.

I just had my first snake dream. I was with my mother and my husband on a dimly lit sidewalk at night. I wasn’t afraid but my husband and mother was. Once I saw this unusual snake, whose skin reminded me more of a frog, coming slowly toward my mother in a centipede fashion, my husband suddenly had a shovel and chopped off its head. In the dream, this did not upset me. Suddenly, my daughter appeared. I picked up the snake which had coiled into itself where the missing head was unnoticeable. We felt it’s smooth light green skin. As we did, we noticed another layer underneath but kept the snake whole within its “shell”. I am hoping this means healing for me since I’ve been very sick for 8 years. Is there a more thorough explanation?

Wonderful goods from you, man. I’ve understand your stuff previous to and you’re just extremely wonderful.
I actually like what you have acquired here, certainly
like what you’re stating and the way in which you say
it. You make it entertaining and you still care for to keep it wise.

I can not wait to read far more from you. This is actually a tremendous web site.

Hi,
Last night i had a weird dream. I was in a yard and someone was there with me. out of no where i’m looking at a cobra/ anaconda looking snake with 3 eyes. the eyes looked like red diamonds and in the whole dream (or what i can remember from it) i was starring at the snake and it was starring at me swaying it’s body it looked as if it had a smile, then some guy in my dream said something to me and i got startled, when i turned around to look back at the snake it was laying down and looked normal. as far as i know i have never had dreams about snakes so i’m confused. I’ve tried seeing if anyone else has had similar dreams but no luck. do you think you could help me find an explanation?

Hey,
I had a dream that I was on a path with my boyfriend, and beneath us were a bunch of snakes…..who were growing out of their old skin. What do you think this means? My boyfriend was holding my hand and walking me along the path away from the smakes but neither of us were afraid.

My brother recently passed away and was found decomposed with no recognition to his face my aunt dreamed last night that she had went into his home and there was a large snake in the corner and when it turned around it had my brothers head on it what does this mean???

my mother had a dream, there were lots of snakes and one snake had a large mouth, the snake with the large mouth vomited and my mother said I was cleaning the vomit the snake made…..
if you know the answer to this dream . please inform me because I cant sleep and cant get rid of what it could possibly mean?

Hi Eddie, you may find this post helpful as well: https://thedreamwell.com/2013/03/29/the-meaning-of-eggs-in-a-dream/
And laying eggs is similar to having children, so this could represent the birth of something new new, but something has yet to be “hatched” – perhaps you are in a stage of incubation. I also have lots of posts to help with the interpretation process, so have a try of the search bar in the top left corner. Good luck with realising your dream meaning.

Hello!! When I was a teenager I dreamed puff daddy was in a garden and his kids mother was behind him holding the twins and a big ass snake swallowed the mother and twins at the same time puff daddy did not seen what happen to them

I can’t find the meaning of my snake dream. In my dream there were many snakes while I went on a vacation in the future with people I don’t know in real life. We had fun on our vacation. Any snake I occasionally saw in my dream was being worn around the neck of someone casually in a coiled fashion, though the snakes were not choking anyone. These snakes had tales sticking out of there sides. I can’t remember the colors of them, some were purple though. Before I woke up I remember trying to reach one that wasn’t being worn to get a closer look at the snake because it was unusual and was very harmless to the people wearing them. The snake was coiled as well. A guy in a bike helmet, sunglasses and other protective bike wear was siting next to it. He reached over for the snake and tossed it at me. He seemed emotionless but observed. The snake didn’t bite me but I was scared it was going to bite me at that point since it was tossed on me. What this could mean?

I saw a very shiny black and poisonous snake bite my boyfriend on thumb (he was not afraid of snake as he took snake his own hand himself but suddenly snake bite him) . after getting bite he started dying but some how he was cured by me . what is the meaning of it.

I dreamt that after I passed through flood waters I noticed a colourful snake was wrapped around my leg and a man removed it. The following day I told my ex boyfriend about it not knowing that he had my jewelry in his possession.I later found out that he is not the person that he portrayed himself to be.

I saw a dream of a small black snake biting me. It looked like a viper with black eyes, I am a huge fan of snakes but never in my life I’ve seen such a black viper. The good thing even in dream is that it was a fake bite which did not do any harm or I was wearing a denim through which the teeth did not penetrate… please help explaining this

Last night i had a dream that led me to this site for additional info. I feel that i am a spiritual person and i feel that this dream has a message in it. I was observing a brown and black constrictor type snake in a cage. It lay there as asleep. From nowhere a slightly dark silvery gray colored constrictor come into the picture and births a smaller whitish snake. I wasnt afraid of the snakes and actually wanted to keep the grayish colored snake that stared me in the eyes. After a while i come back and the sleeping snake has swallowed the gray snake and is sleeping again. The smaller snake is also gone. I am at a very chaotic point in my life and confusion is on the rise. My spiritual voice tells me to stay strong and keep the faith. Can anyone like minded decipher the meaning of this very short but intriguing dream?

Hi… I keep having recurring dreams about snakes. I’m usually standing in an open field being semi-circled by the people who have betrayed me. The snake starts to coil up my legs and eventually coil around my arms. In the dream it feels like I am controlling the snakes like I can get them to do my bidding, any thought on what this may mean?
Please help I’m desperate. I’m not scared of snakes or anything, I just need help.